Why the 2026 Mets Need to Make Changes to the Roster
The Mets are past the halfway point of the season, and the results have been underwhelming. Changes to the roster became necessary, and the organization took its first significant step by trading its longest-tenured player, David Peterson, to the Cubs on June 25th. The Mets currently sit at 36-51, last place in the NL East, and are tied for the third-worst record in MLB. They trail the division-leading Phillies by 15.5 games and are 10 games behind the second National League Wild Card spot. With their postseason hopes rapidly fading, New York appears to be headed toward selling at the trade deadline, if they have not already committed to that direction. They have several intriguing trade candidates who could attract interest from contenders looking to bolster their rosters. The organizational changes have extended beyond the roster as well. On June 26th, the Mets released manager Carlos Mendoza, signaling the club's willingness to make significant changes as it looks toward the future.
Several Mets players have emerged as trade candidates ahead of the deadline, including Freddy Peralta, Brooks Raley, A.J. Minter, and Luke Weaver. Peralta is the club's top trade asset despite enduring the worst season of his career. His struggles have largely stemmed from mechanical issues with his torso rotation, which have led to a lower release point, diminished fastball command, and the loss of the late life on his pitches. As a result, the upper-zone fastballs that once overpowered hitters have become mistake pitches that opponents are driving for extra-base hits and home runs.
Despite Peralta's struggles, the Empire State contenders’ bullpen has been one of the team's biggest strengths. Entering the trade deadline, the relief corps has a 3.45 ERA, ranking fourth in MLB, while leading the majors with 379 strikeouts. The unit is anchored by Raley, Minter, and Weaver, all of whom have generated trade interest from contenders. Weaver, in particular, has been dominant, putting together an MLB-leading 24-inning scoreless streak that has spanned nearly two months, making him one of the most attractive relief options available.
Beyond the players already linked to trade rumors, I believe the Mets should also consider moving Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and even Francisco Lindor as part of a broader roster overhaul. Baty and Vientos were once viewed as cornerstone prospects who would become key contributors in the blue-and-orange lineup. Instead, both have struggled to consistently produce at the major league level, making a change of scenery a worthwhile consideration. Vientos looked like a future middle-of-the-order bat after an outstanding rookie campaign and postseason in 2024, but he has been unable to replicate that success since.
The most difficult decision would involve Lindor. While trading the franchise's second-best player would undoubtedly be unpopular, it could make sense if the Mets determine they are not close to contending for a championship. Moving a player of Lindor's caliber could bring back multiple top prospects, significantly strengthening the organization's farm system and accelerating a long-term rebuild. Such a move would send shockwaves across baseball, signaling that the Mets are willing to sacrifice a franchise cornerstone today in pursuit of building the next championship core for tomorrow.
